News and Media

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August 04, 2009 — Lessons from the Hudson: The Value of Repetition

What can the airline industry teach health care about consumer engagement to improve safety? The recent NYC jet crash, the so-called "Miracle on the Hudson," perhaps offers some lessons. A recent article published by the National Patient Safety Foundation, suggests that potential catastrophe was avoided thanks to the aviation industry's long-standing history of engaging consumers in safety. Passengers remained calm and knew evacuation procedures by heart thanks, in part, due to the fact that instructions are repeated verbally, visually, in audio and in written format. The article makes several recommendations for standardizing communications in health care. Information should ensure patients understand their role in their own safety; it needs to be provided in multiple formats and repeated often. It urges health care organizations to set and use industry standards for routine procedures so patients will know what to expect in any institution in which they receive care.

Frequent fliers know what to do in the case of "sudden loss of air pressure" from hearing it dozens of times from multiple airline carriers saying the same thing and not simply from the flight attendant working on one particular flight. Perhaps there are lessons for hospitals and physician offices to learn.

Heading out on vacation? Remember to pack a medication safety list in your wallet. For other vacation tips, check out this article from The New York Times.

The Partnership is in New Bedford tonight at the Alfred Gomes School for "National Night Out." The community event will provide tips and tools for preventing infections and taking medications medication safely. Come on by!
 

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